Trump tells Canada to pay $61 billion for 'Golden Dome' or join as '51st state' for free
US President Donald Trump asserts that Canada must contribute $61 billion to join his proposed 'Golden Dome' missile project, though he added that the cost would drop to zero if Canada became part of the US.
Just days after returning to the White House in January, Trump unveiled his intentions for a missile defense system known as "Golden Dome" which he claimed is even capable of intercepting missiles launched from the other side of the world, or launched from space.
Last week, Trump said that Canada was interested in joining the program, but added that they would have to “pay their fair share.”
“I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday.
“They are considering the offer!” he added.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed discussions with the Trump administration regarding the Golden Dome, while emphasizing it represents just one of multiple defense partnership options Canada is discussing with allies.
Carney also declined to specify potential Canadian financial contributions to the program.
Trump's remarks came a few hours after King Charles’ throne speech aimed at unifying Canada and reasserting its sovereignty.
The King, who serves as Canada’s head of state and was invited by Carney as a symbolic response to Trump's annexation rhetoric, affirmed that “the true North is indeed strong and free” – borrowing a line from Canada's national anthem.
Relations between Canada and the United States -- seen as traditional allies -- have taken a downward turn since the beginning of Trumps’ second term.
Days into returning to the White House, Trump announced new tariffs on Canadian goods.
Another source of contention between the two neighbors is Trump's multiple threats of making Canada the US' 51st state.
While the annexation plans were first seen by the media as tongue-in-cheek, many now believe that the US president is seriously considering the annexation of its northern neighbor.
Carney has consistently maintained that Canada will “never” join the US, including during his recent White House meeting with Trump.
Canada, Carney said, "won’t be for sale ever, but the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together."
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